Islam and Science

Islam and Science

Just as nations need power, so do they need the science with which to support this power and direct it in the best possible manner, providing them with all that they require in the way of inventions and discoveries. Islam does not reject science; indeed, it makes it as obligatory as the acquisition of power, and gives it its support. It suﬃces to say that the very ﬁrst verse of the Book of Allah to be revealed says:

’Recite, in the Name of thy Lord who created; created man from a clot of blood. Recite, for thy Lord is the Most Gracious, who taught men with the pen; taught man whathe did not know.’ (Surah-al-’Alaq (96), ayah 1)

The Apostle of Allah (PBUH) stipulated as part of the ransom for the polytheists captured at Badr, one prisoner should teach ten Muslim children reading and writing, in
the endeavor to wipe out illiteracy from the Ummah. Allah has not placed the learned and the ignorant equal. He (SWT) says:

’Are those who know and those who do not know equal? Only those who possess understanding are mindful.’(Surah-az-Zumar (39), ayah 11)

Islam has given the same weight to the ink of scholars as to the blood of martyrs. The Qur’an links science and power together in two noble verses:’For why should not a few from every group of them march out as a party, so that they may gain knowledge of religion and warn their people when they return to them?Perhaps they will beware. O ye who believe ﬁght those unbelievers who are close to you, and let them encounter harshness in you, and know ye that Allah is with the godfearing.’
(Surah-at-Tawbah (9), ayah 122-123)

The Qur’an does not distinguish between the natural and religious sciences, but advocates both. It sums up the natural sciences in one verse, by encouraging man to study
them. To understand and be familiar with the universe is a way of revering Him and a path towards knowing Him.

This is what the Almighty says:’Hast thou not seen Allah send down water from the sky?’ (Surah-Faatir (35), ayah 27)

Here Allah refers to astronomy and the cosmos, and the connection between heaven and earth. Then the Almighty says:’And We produce their with fruits of varying colors.’(Surah-Faatir (35), ayah 27)

Here Allah refers to the amazing science of botany.’And among the mountains are streaks white and red, of varying colors and (others) black.’ Surah-Faatir (35),ayah 27)

Here there is a reference to the science of geology, and the diﬀerent modes of strata that constitute the earth.

’And of men and creatures that crawl and cattle, in like manner of various colors.’ (Surah-Faatir (35), ayah 28)

Here there is reference to the science of biology and the classiﬁcation system. Do you think that these verses have left out any of the natural sciences? To all of this the
Almighty adds:’The learned among His worshippers alone fear Allah.’(Surah-Faatir (35), ayah 28)

Don’t you see that with such a wonderful construction of verses, Allah commands and encourages mankind to study the universe, placing those who have deep insight
into the mysteries of the universe as those who revere and know Him.